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Fertility awareness methods

SUMMARY

Also known as “natural family planning” methods. Fertility awareness involves tracking your cycle to work out when you’re most likely to get pregnant. This can include monitoring body temperature, cervical mucus, and cycle length.

How it works

  • By identifying fertile days and avoiding penis-in-vagina sex during this time.
  • Some people choose to use a barrier method, like condoms, on fertile days.
  • Works straight away when you begin tracking.

Effectiveness

  • Perfect use: 75–99% effective, depending on consistency and accuracy.
  • Typical use: around 76% effective.
  • Effectiveness can vary widely depending on how carefully it’s followed.

Advantages

  • No medical visits or devices required.
  • Can be free or low cost.
  • Can be used alongside other methods of contraception.

Things to keep in mind

  • Takes practice and commitment to track accurately.
  • Does not protect against STIs.
  • Fertility can be influenced by illness, stress, or irregular cycles, which may make tracking less reliable.

Will anyone know I’m using it?

Tracking cycles often means recording changes in your body, which can be done discreetly in a diary or an app. For some, this can still feel unsafe if they’re experiencing pressure, surveillance, or monitoring from others.

Could someone tamper with it?

Yes. This method isn’t suitable for people who don’t have control over if, when, or how sex happens.

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Queensland Wide Pregnancy Support Services

Free & Confidential